World’s first smart track under development – AW

Sports technology company Feldspar is working on creating the ‘world’s first sensor-enabled running track’

The athletes of the (near) future are poised to benefit from a track that captures data from their footsteps using sensors.

Feldspar, a UK-based sports technology company, say their work is well underway to create a smart running surface which will help athletes train by feeding them AI-driven real-time data in addition to giving fans the kind of insights and analytics that have never been available before.

Unlike the data available in running watches, the tracking and motion sensors on the track mean the stats will be sourced from under the athletes’ feet. In combination with cameras to help capture information on stride, speed and other metrics, Feldspar believe this kind of biomechanical analysis will help athletes reduce injuries and train more effectively.

Feldspar claim: “This pioneering innovation represents the first major technological advancement in track and field running in nearly 60 years, laying the foundation for an unparalleled new immersive experience in live sports.”

The company, which is backed by Hong Kong investors, plans to start building and testing its first prototype of the high-performance running track later this year before entering into full production in 2025.

They add: “This technology has the potential to revolutionise the spectator experience at live sports events as well as to attract new enthusiasts who value innovative, visually captivating, and tech-driven premier sports entertainment.”

Alvina Chen, a former athlete who is founder and CEO of Feldspar, said: “While we have seen a high level of innovation in running shoes, apparel, and training methods in recent years,  it’s incredible that the modern synthetic running track itself has remained largely unchanged since the 1968 Summer Olympics.

“There is a huge opportunity in revolutionising this sport. By digitising the running track Feldspar is not only providing new avenues for athletes’ development and pushing the boundaries of human performance but also moving athletics towards a new era of exhilarating, high-energy live international events, similar to what we see in other sports, like football and motorsports.”

She added: “Our ambition with our next generation running track is to set a new benchmark for athlete performance and fan engagement for future world competitions, including the Olympic Games and beyond.”

Feldspar also suggest their early versions of the track are likely to be “modular and lightweight”, making them easy to transport and assemble. “We envisage locations prominent for hosting international sports events UAE, UK, or US,” they say.

Of course the promotional images so far just show a sprint straight, too, but Feldspar say they have ambitions one day to see their product used on a 400m circuit.

“However, our priority is to focus on building and testing the performance prototype first,” they say.

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